A national, annual study called Stepping Up has ranked the Pinellas foundation the top education foundation in the country for the third consecutive year.

The study was published by the Caruthers Institute, a non-profit, non-partisan think tank focusing on education foundations as well as arrests for common youth misbehavior and child obesity. It is formerly known as Dewey & Associates, a Tampa-based consulting firm.

Researchers ranked 188 education foundations from 220 school districts by criteria in four categories; resources to enhance public education, long-term financial sustainability, resources invested into programs and human capital. The study did not go into detail as to why each foundation received its ranking, but Pinellas did come in first place for bringing in more than $2 million in revenue.

Pinellas was followed by Omaha (Nebraska) Schools Foundation and Achieve Minneapolis (Minnesota). Hillsborough Education Foundation came in at No. 21.

Education foundations in Florida dominated the top 25 list and made more appearances than any other state. Brevard Schools Foundation (8th), The Foundation for Osceola Education (12th), Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools (14th) and Education Foundation for Collier County (22nd) were also recognized.

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Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.